San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers

Farar & Lewis LLP is one of the most trustworthy car accident law firms in Orange County. Our Orange County car accident lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience helping victims get the compensation they rightfully deserve. We’ve won over $50 million in combined verdicts and settlements on behalf of victims in Orange County – and can help you too. Our Orange County car accident attorneys have proven themselves time and time again. If you’re injured as a result of an auto accident, we can help you.

Our Orange County car accident law firm was founded on the principle of providing amazing service and results for each and every client. We do this, and live up to our promise – every day, by dedicating ourselves to our clients. Our firm takes on fewer clients than other firms, because we try to dedicate ourselves to providing the best possible customer experience. We never charge any upfront fees, and only ask for compensation if we win your case. If we are unable to win your case, we don’t ask for a penny. We offer a risk free consultation, and can even come to you at your home, or hospital, to discuss your case.

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3 Reasons To Choose Farar & Lewis

Personal Attention

It doesn’t matter how hard, or easy, your case is – we promise the same dedication and level of customer service. We assign a dedicated Orange County car accident attorney to each and every client. In almost all cases, one of our founding partners works on your case directly. You can speak to your assigned car accident lawyer 24/7. In addition, our law firm handles everything for you, including repairing your car and more. We only expect one thing from you: heal yourself. We’re here to handle everything else for you and handle all types of cases, including defective products, like waist trainers. We can even help you get a replacement car with the help of Zooomr – who handles car leases Los Angeles on a short term basis.

Respected Lawyers

Our Orange County car accident lawyers have won over $50 million in combined verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients. Many of our attorneys have been recognized as leaders by top lawyer ranking platforms like Super Lawyers, Avvo, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and many others. If they can trust us, so should you.

No Fee Ever. Unless We Win.

We never charge any upfront fees, ever – in addition, the consultation is free. You can call us any time for advice, and we’re here to help – there’s no cost attached. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you get paid. If you never get paid, neither do we. We’re on your side and that means we only get paid WHEN and IF you get paid.

-Risk Free Consultation. No Upfront Fees-

If you or someone you know needs help, it will cost you nothing to discuss your injury case with an attorney. Give us a call anytime or contact us via the form below.

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What Our Clients Say About Us

"I had an accident that almost cost me my life. At first I was not going to pursue a case because, I was thinking how could I afford an attorney being a college student? But Farar Law changed all of..." -Rhyann H.

"I was driving home merging onto the 110 S/B FWY, when I was rear-ended. Immediately, I felt pain to my lower back and neck. Initially I thought I would be okay, but as time went by I wasn't feeling any..." -Robert F.

"My daughter and I, were victims of a drunk driver. He went off the freeway and landed on my vehicle. My back window was shattered and my baby was in the backseat. Luckily we were okay. Sore and bruised, but..." -Amanda Ortega.

"I had an accident that almost cost me my life. At first I was not going to pursue a case because, I was thinking how could I afford an attorney being a college student? But Farar Law changed all of..." -Fabian V.

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Many auto accidents fall in the category of fender-benders that result in minor personal injuries at best with specific property damage to the affected vehicles. In accident scenarios like this, it is okay to discuss the issue with the other driver and report the accident to your insurance company, even if an officer is not dispatched to the scene. However, most accidents tend to be unique in some fashion and knowing what to do in the case of a serious injury or accident involving significant property damage, there are some other steps that will need to be taken during and following the crash. In addition, there are laws that also apply when an accident occurs regarding how parties to the crash must respond.

1. Get Out of Your Vehicle and Assess Damage

This is not always possible for those who suffer serious injury or are trapped in a crashed vehicle. If you are able to remove yourself from your vehicle, then you may be the only individual who is mobile at the time. It is very important for the least injured in an accident to check the other vehicles for injured or trapped passengers because time can be important in emergency situations. And remember, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident when people are injured or serious damage is done to involved automobiles. If someone’s life is in peril it is okay to help them, but be careful not to injure them worse when helping them get out of a damaged vehicle. In serious crashes where there are no life-threatening circumstances, it is often best to let the professionals with first responders handle this process.

2. Call the Authorities or Stop Someone with a Cell Phone

While most people in contemporary society do have a cell phone, this is not true for everyone. However, time can be crucial immediately following a wreck. Even when you do not have a phone, it is very important to contact someone who does and can call 911 promptly. For those who do have phones or cameras, taking pictures of the scene can be important as well, especially if vehicles will be moved to clear the roadway. Evidence can be lost if vehicles are moved for safety purposes, but pictures of the actual scene immediately following the wreck can help officers determine the exact cause of the mishap. In addition, flag traffic around the crash if needed until police officers arrive.

3. Comply with Officer Requests

Always be cooperative with police officers and emergency medical technicians after they arrive on the scene. Police will conduct an investigation among the involved parties and list specific information on the official accident report. Always remember to answer the officer’s questions directly and do not embellish your comments. Answer only what is asked regarding how the accident occurred. Overstatements could impact the final outcome of the accident, especially if you indicate personal fault in anyway. Remember, when the accident case is being negotiated, your personal fault in the accident causation will be used to discount any damages to which may be entitled. Never admit fault. Let the officers make that determination during accident reconstruction.

4. Seek Medical Attention

All seriously injured passengers will be transported to a treatment facility by emergency personnel, but many times individuals are injured and do not even realize it until much later. In fact, most injured parties in an accident do not really feel the effects of internal injuries until the next day or two. It is important to go directly to a treatment facility or emergency room immediately after an accident because internal injuries could occur that can worsen quickly with little realization until it is too late. Get evaluated as soon as possible because this will crucial to proper accident settlement.

5. Consult with an Attorney

After reporting the accident claim to your personal insurance company, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible because your claim could be more valuable than you realize. While it is acceptable to contact a respondent insurance company, it is never a good idea to accept any offer immediately or attempt handling the case until requesting evaluation by a legal professional. Auto accidents involving injuries can be very complicated and insurance companies will look for any technicality they can use to deny or limit a claim. This is especially true in cases where the negligent driver has significant insurance coverage above state minimums or you have additional personal protection insurance coverage on your auto policy. Sometimes the most difficult insurance agency can be your own provider.

If I am injured in a hit and run car accident, do I have any recourse if they cannot find the driver who injured me?

Being involved in a hit and run accident is stressful. Any accident in which a person, their vehicle, or their property is hit by another person, it’s considered a hit and run. The person at-fault causes an accident and disappears. They don’t want to take responsibility for their accident, or they don’t want to get caught doing something illegal that aided in causing the accident. Perhaps they were drinking and driving, driving without a license, or not paying attention to the road. Whatever it is, they decide to leave the scene of an accident, and that’s illegal.

There’s little you can do if you’re involved in a hit and run accident. The best advice for anyone in this situation is to get as much information as possible about the other vehicle and the driver. Write down anything you see right away so you don’t forget. This information might be useful later when the police arrive to take your statement. Never attempt to come after the driver if you’re involved in a hit and run. Leave it be for that moment, stay with your property, and wait for assistance.

Your hope is the police will catch the person who hit you, but it’s not always the course of the plan. Many people get away with hit and run accidents without being caught. If you catch the person who hits you, you’re recourse is set. If you can’t catch the person who caused your accident, however, what options do you have? Is there any recourse for you when you can’t find the person who caused the accident? There isn’t a black and white answer for this complex question, which is why a personal injury attorney might be your best choice in the matter.

Being unable to find the driver of the other car doesn’t leave you without any hope. It happens more than people like to admit, and there is a chance you will receive compensation for your injuries as well as the damage to your property. The key here is your own insurance. Your coverage should include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This protects drivers when they are involved in an accident in which the driver at-fault has no insurance to cover your repairs and/or injuries. The first thing you want to do following the hit and run accident is follow the basic rules so you have all the paperwork, information, and knowledge needed to file an accurate claim.

File an accident report. Share any information you have with the police about the accident such as how it happened and any information you might have about the driver of the other vehicle. Once that’s finished, seek medical attention. If you have serious injuries, medical attention is not something you seek on your own. You might assume you’re healthy and unharmed, but chances are good you have some injuries you can’t see right away. A medical professional will check for internal injuries that might need medical attention now and in the future.

Following this, you’ll file a claim with your own insurance company provided the driver that caused the accident is missing. This means providing the accident claim, the information requested, and waiting on your insurance to offer you a settlement. It’s a good idea not to accept the first settlement you’re offered. Write a letter with documented evidence and/or proof you need more, and send it to the company. See if they will meet your demands more adequately.

If the driver of the other vehicle is ever found, the police are going to handle that information. Asssuming the driver is never caught after causing your hit and run accident, your insurance company is responsible for handling the damages incurred in the accident. This is what your coverage is for. It’s important to note you shouldn’t minimize your coverage as your car gets older or you pay it off. These things happen, and you should have the protection you need to keep your finances in order in case an accident occurs. A personal injury attorney is here to help you with any questions you might have concerning a hit and run accidents. Remember the most important information is to keep yourself safe during an accident such as this by not chasing after the at-fault driver. Gather as much information as you can in this time, but don’t endanger yourself or your family.